Estimate Your Take-Home Pay
Your salary is not what lands in your bank account. This paycheck calculator estimates your net pay after federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, state income tax and pre-tax deductions. Enter an annual salary or an hourly rate and hours per week, choose how often you are paid, and see your take-home pay per paycheck and per year, with a line-by-line breakdown.
It uses the 2025 or 2026 IRS tax brackets and standard deduction for single, married filing jointly or head of household filers.
How Take-Home Pay Is Calculated
Example: a single filer earning $65,000 in 2026, paid every two weeks, contributing 5% to a 401(k) and living in a state with a 4% income tax, takes home about $49,078 a year, or $1,887.60 per paycheck. Federal income tax is about $5,230, Social Security $4,030, Medicare $942.50 and state tax $2,470.
- 401(k) contributions and other pre-tax deductions are subtracted first.
- Federal income tax is calculated on what is left, minus the standard deduction, using the progressive tax brackets.
- Social Security is 6.2% of wages up to the yearly wage base ($184,500 in 2026). Medicare is 1.45% of all wages, plus 0.9% on high incomes.
- State income tax is estimated with the flat rate you enter.
Ways to Increase Your Take-Home Pay
- Review your W-4 so you are not over-withholding and waiting for a large refund.
- Use pre-tax benefits such as an HSA or FSA to lower your taxable income.
- Remember that 401(k) contributions lower your paycheck less than you might think, because they also reduce your income tax.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my actual paycheck different from this estimate?
Employers withhold based on your W-4, which may include extra withholding, dependents or other income. Local taxes, wage garnishments and post-tax deductions such as Roth 401(k) contributions or union dues also affect your check.
Does a 401(k) contribution reduce Social Security and Medicare taxes?
No. Traditional 401(k) contributions reduce federal income tax (and usually state tax), but Social Security and Medicare are still charged on them. Health insurance premiums paid through a cafeteria plan reduce both.
How do I convert an hourly wage to an annual salary?
Multiply your hourly rate by hours per week and then by 52. For example, $25 an hour at 40 hours a week is $25 × 40 × 52 = $52,000 a year. Choose the Hourly tab and the calculator does this for you.